I was born into an Anglo Indian family, and grew up in picturesque hill town of Ooty, nestled in the Nilgiris of South India. From dormitory life, and forging lifelong friendships, to developing many skills, it is at my boarding school, Laidlaw Memorial (St George’s Homes), where my passion for adventure, singing and sports blossomed from a young age.
But once the school gates were closed for holidays, I was back in another sort of magic: my father’s garage. My dad repaired and rebuilt jeeps and motorcycles, and to me it was like watching alchemy in action before my very eyes. I was riding motorcycles at the age of seven. I did not realize it then, but I was being fashioned into a person who not only would operate machines – but become attached to them.

That childhood passion for machines propelled me to study Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering. What ensued was a maze of machine-making, and lot of endurance rides across the country. The feel of vibrations, hearing the roar of the engine, the exhaust notes and the rolling through the esses, helped me bond with my machine; and made me a seasoned rider. Motocross racing, modifying…. I did all of it !

It was in the year 1999, that I started organising motorcycle tours for a British company. Over the course of time I met countless passionate bikers. Be it different terrains, or harsh landscapes; doing multiple adventurous rides up in the Himachal region bordering Leh Ladakh and the Chinese border (it became my second home) and cruising through various geographical and historical regions down south India…. I was in charge, prudently watching over the pack; and being a mechanic by trade, nothing got past me. Each ride felt like once in a lifetime adventure. Leaving all our cares behind, we dined together, shared drinks, stories and laughs…. Such moments of camaraderie created unforgettable memories…. Singing around a bonfire…. Living our dreams !!

“Another phase….another adventure”…. I was offered a job with Harley Davidson in the UAE as the after sales advisor. A decade went by. During that time I enjoyed the best of jeeps and bikes that I had dreamt of. Besides my daily stint, I spent all my free time doing everything I loved; such as Dune Bashing, Motocross, Fishing, Camping and Long International Motorcycle Tours.

But life isn’t always a smooth ride. It has detours, storms and bumps which test your mettle. During my worst moments I looked within. And it was in that silence that I reached out – to God, to time, to myself. I developed strength and resilience….inspired by the German philosophy of ‘Respecting Time’; – There was no looking back…. God had the perfect plan for me, and I was reminded of my purpose. Returning home in 2018 brought a deeper connection to the hills and valleys, rekindling the spirit of adventure in a more meaningful way….

From an exhilarating past to a fulfilling present….I have put down roots, and that’s when my three humble dreams began to take shape….

*The Country Auto Barn
*Country Crusader
*Earth Songs By the Vineyard